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Just because a system is “wireless” it does not necessarily mean it is simple to set up, configure, and install. That is the lesson a retired couple in Chicago recently learned when they brought in a professional custom integrator. The couple purchased a new home in 2013, and during the design process, they had the ceilings prewired for multiroom audio. However, at the time they did not get around to completing the speaker installation.

Years later they decided it was time to get their whole-home audio system up and running, but with no previous experience installing in-ceiling speakers—let alone the knowledge of which speakers they should buy—the homeowners decided it was best to involve a professional. They called on Orbis Solutions, an Aurora, Ill.-based provider of A/V and IT services.

After talking to the homeowners, representatives from Orbis recognized that a décor-friendly, easy-to-use system with high-quality speakers was imperative.

The house had been pre-wired for 30 in-ceiling speakers, allowing for music in every room, but the homeowners were not looking for a complex automation system that required multiple remotes and bulky electronics.

Instead, they insisted that the equipment be hidden away and that they be able to select and play their music all with the touch of a button from a phone, tablet, or keypad.

Orbis was tasked with designing a system that offered discreet solutions, exceptional sound, and wireless streaming capabilities.

“We are big fans of Beale Street Audio because of their unique engineering and design,” says Justin Tamm, lead installer for Orbis Solutions.

“Unlike most in-ceiling speakers, Beale Street speaker ports are divided into multiple sections called ‘fins’ that compress and move air at a high rate of speed without port noise, allowing for a 6dB to 9dB boost in the mid to lower bass, and a flatter frequency response across the audio spectrum. In other words, the speakers sound far bigger and better than other speakers of the same size.”

Orbis Solutions technicians also chose Beale Street speakers for this particular installation because of the broad selection of in-ceiling speakers and sizes available.

“One of the benefits of our Beale Street Audio line, is that there is a speaker solution ideal for any installation type, allowing for consistent sound from room to room,” says Mark Corbin, president of Vanco International.

In this case, the Orbis technicians were able to select a speaker model (ICW4-BM) to match the 4-inch cut-outs of the can lighting in the kitchen.

To deliver broad sound and deep bass throughout the rest of the home with the same acoustic signature, Orbis technicians installed 6.5-inch IC6-MB in-ceiling speakers, and 8-inch, IC8-MB in-ceiling speakers, all of which utilize Beale’s Sonic Vortex ported transmission line.

30 Wireless Speakers, 9 Amps

To keep the installation as clean as possible, all speaker wire was run to a Rapid AV rack in the basement where nine Sonos Connect:Amp amplifiers were installed to provide the power and wireless streaming capability the customers desired.

Orbis also installed iPort xPRESS stylish audio keypads throughout the house to give the homeowner’s the ability to play their Sonos system instantly when their phones or tablets were out of reach.

Orbis installed a total of 30 Beale Street Audio speakers throughout the interior of the house in the kitchen, living room, master bedroom, master bathroom, and guest bedroom.

With the option to retrofit different speaker sizes that utilize the same integrated enclosure, the team was able to pick the right speakers for each space and provide uniform sound from room-to-room, regardless of room size or configuration, from small rooms like the bathroom to large rooms like the open-concept kitchen and living room.

“The first words out of their mouths were, ‘Why on earth did we wait so long?’”

— Justin Tamm, Orbis Solutions

Orbis Solutions technicians were able to install the speakers with minimal effort.

“Beale Street speakers ship with a cut-out template and an alignment crosshair for precise placement of speakers in the ceiling aligned with can lights and other décor. This significantly reduced the installation time, as well as allowed for perfect speaker alignment – a major bonus,” says Tamm.

He adds, “Upon completion of the installation, we did a demo of the system for the homeowners and they fell in love with the system immediately. The customers are amazed with the clarity of sound that the Beale Street speakers provide, as well as the ease-of-use the wireless technology provided. The first words out of their mouths were, ‘Why on earth did we wait so long?’”